February 2025

The Royal Academy of Engineering, through its Welsh Valleys Engineering Project (WVEP), 

has developed a set of 10 STEM challenge resources for use in primary and secondary schools. Each challenge resource was co-created by engineers and teachers in Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil. Each offers project-based, industry focused activities merging science, design, technology, computing, and mathematics, to bring real-world engineering into the classroom. They are perfect for the science and technology AoLE and were developed in line with careers and work-related experience guidance.You can see the resources here

The Royal Academy of Engineering is running a series of free 1-hour online CPD sessions to show teachers how to use the resources in your classroom.  The available dates are as follows – you just need to book one session.  Please click on the relevant link to book:

For primary schools

 Wednesday 19 February 2025 from 15.30 – 16.30 https://bit.ly/4fOlyud

 For secondary schools

 Thursday 20 February 2025 from 15.30 – 16.30 https://bit.ly/4icdeWG

How to explain your job to an 8yr old 4 February  4pm-5pm

This session will cover the best ways of breaking down a complicated job title into bite-sized chunks that young people can understand. Get some tips on how to help young people learn about the different things they can do in life and have a go at formulating your explanation of your own job. To book your place go here

Find out about British Science Week 4 February 12.30pm - 1pm

Join us for a 30-minute session about British Science Week and how you can get involved. British Science Week runs from 7-16th March 2025 and is a celebration of all things STEM. This session will run through some of the free resources available for you to use from the British Science Association and talk about how you can get involved with volunteering during British Science Week! Book here

British Science Week: How to access STEM Volunteers 28 January /5 February/ 12 February online

Find out how the STEM Ambassadors Programme can support learning and provide inspiration during British Science Week 2025 and beyond.

Develop your own engineering activity 19th  February  2.30pm - 4.30pm online

STEM Learning have an exciting new series of workshops designed to help you develop engaging hands-on activities for 7-11 year olds. The first session focuses on Engineering.

This interactive workshop will provide tips on developing your own activity, along with inspiring examples of ones that work well. It's a fantastic opportunity to design an activity that connects to your job or studies - one you can use in future volunteering for years to come! 

The workshop takes place online and is delivered by the Centre for Industry Education Collaboration at the University of York. Register here 

Find out about Primary CREST Awards 20th February 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm  online

Join this 30-minute session to find out how to use free CREST activities with primary aged children.

These hands-on, low resource STEM activities, including planning guides, can be used in classrooms, homes, and STEM clubs, and make a real impact on children’s STEM learning! We’ll also give you top tips for using CREST to engage with British Science Week.

Booking and more information here

The CREST Award Scheme has been running for over 35 years and is managed by the British Science Association (BSA)

Cardiff Science Festival - Cardiff  22 February  11am - 3pm 

Cardiff Science Festival takes over Wales’ capital to inspire and educate. We showcase science, technology, engineering and maths, integrating them into the capital city of Wales. The four-day festival spreads throughout Cardiff’s libraries, cafes, bars and streets, with hidden events for your to discover.Our aim is to celebrate science, technology, engineering and maths, and how they affect our every day lives. We bring science to you, with a range of events that are guaranteed to captivate and teach you something new.Cardiff is a hub for science research and world-renowned science communicators. By following our map around the city, you can learn something new from the best researchers and communicators, right on your doorstep. More information here

Be a brain explorer!  Saturday, 22 February 2025 11:00-15:00

Foyer, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff. CF24 4HQ

We're excited to be part of this year's Cardiff Science Festival. Come join us in the Hadyn Ellis Building at Cardiff University for an exciting event where you can try your hand at some neuroscience and learn about the latest mental health research.

Discover how our brains work, learn about fascinating neurological research, and participate in hands-on activities that will challenge your mind. This is a great opportunity for children and families to expand their knowledge and have fun exploring the complexities of the brain.

There will be two sessions on the day so you can join us either from 11am-1pm or 1pm-3pm.

Activities will include:

• Brain Dome (bouncy castle)
• Dress up like a scientist
• Experience what it’s like to have a brain scan with VR
• 3D models of animal brains
• Learn to use a microscope
• Pipette like a scientist

Don't miss out on this chance to be a true brain explorer!

Be a brain explorer! is hosted by the Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics in partnership with the National Centre for Mental Health. More information here

After Dark: Science on Show 26 February 2025, 6-9pm

 National Museum Cardiff

After Dark: Science on Show is a free hands-on science and engineering evening suitable for all the family.  We’ll have lots of activities connected to sustainability as well as some favourites like the return of the robots.You’ll be able to meet scientists and engineers from Amgueddfa Cymru and Cardiff University and explore loads of fun, interactive activities all while being in the museum after dark!

• Visit the seaside inside with our homemade rockpool. 
• Test out your coding skills in our robotzone. 
• Explore your creativity and sustainability through upcycled crafts. 
• Find out about the impacts of plastic on marine life – and what you can do about it. 
• Use a microscope. 
• Take a Million Year Time Trip by getting hands-on with some fossils. 
• Have a taste of some edible bugs. 
• Discover how to start star gazing and find out how to use telescopes.

A partnership event between Amgueddfa Cymru and Cardiff University School of Engineering. 

Book here

Cardiff Science Festival - University of South Wales - Atrium Cardiff  26 February  11am - 3pm

Cardiff Science Festival takes over Wales’ capital to inspire and educate. We showcase science, technology, engineering and maths, integrating them into the capital city of Wales. The four-day festival spreads throughout Cardiff’s libraries, cafes, bars and streets, with hidden events for your to discover.Our aim is to celebrate science, technology, engineering and maths, and how they affect our every day lives. We bring science to you, with a range of events that are guaranteed to captivate and teach you something new.Cardiff is a hub for science research and world-renowned science communicators. By following our map around the city, you can learn something new from the best researchers and communicators, right on your doorstep. More information here

Half Term Fun.  Saturday 1 March 2025. 10:00  17:00

Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff CampusWestern AvenueCardiff, Wales, CF5 2YB

March 2025

National Careers Week 3-8 March 2025

National Careers Week (NCW) is a one-week celebration of careers guidance and free resources in education across the UK. Our aim is to provide a focus for careers guidance activity at an important stage in the academic calendar to help support young people develop awareness and excitement about their future pathways.

NCW is a dedicated week every year allowing schools, colleges, universities, alternative provision settings and organisations to work towards. It’s backed-up with free high-quality printable, downloadable, digital and video resources for educators to support planning and delivery.

The resources and activities are available all year round so you can make any of your CEIAG / Careers activities come to life – whenever you do them. More information here

World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development 4th March 2025

The World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development was proclaimed by UNESCO at its 40th General Conference in 2019. It is celebrated worldwide on March 4 each year since 2020 as a UNESCO International Day of celebration of engineers and engineering.

The day offers an opportunity to highlight engineers and engineering’s achievements and improve public understanding of how engineering and technology are central to modern life and for sustainable development. More information here 

World Book Day 2025  6 March 2025.

You can find our resources, events and webinars here

This year we are inviting everyone to Read Your Way. Our research shows that children feel reading is something they have to do, rather than something they choose to do.

British Science Week 2025 7th - 16th of March

BSW 2025 will take place from the 7th to the 16th of March and the theme will be ‘Change & Adapt’. During the week, schools are encouraged to celebrate with STEM activities and events.Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics can all be linked to changes in nature, technology, space, and more. So if you’re looking to plan BSW projects in advance, there are plenty of subjects to choose from.

Learners could also focus on behaviour and the adaptations we could make to create positive changes for the population and planet.

Click here to learn more about British Science Week 2025 and how to apply for funding for future projects or events.

In Autumn, FREE BSW Taster Packs will be released with activities on this theme followed by complete Activity Packs in January. In the meantime, if you’re looking for inspiration you can download previous BSW Activity Packs or visit the CREST Awards website for resources and ideas.

Hello Sun! The Amazing Story of the Sun (KS2/7-11) Monday 10 March 2pm online

In her brand new talk, Hello Sun!, Liz Tinlin will tell the amazing story of the Sun – how it formed, what it does, and how it affects Planet Earth.

Using amazing visuals and videos from NASA and ESA, Liz will show the awesome power of our local star, the ways in which we depend on it, and how we have to adapt to its influence – sometimes suddenly! From planet formation to the changing seasons, ice ages to rainbows, aurora to meteorite impacts, this is a story that will inspire and delight primary school students, particularly KS2, but is suitable for all ages 7+.

Liz Tinlin is an experienced STEM Ambassador, having spoken to over 25,000 children in the past 6 years with TinlinTalks sessions online and in person, always inspiring kids with the science and adventure of space. Book here

First Lego League Challenge "Submerged" 11th March 9am 

Merthyr College, Ynysfach, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1AR

FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is a global STEM programme for teams of young people, to encourage an interest in real world themes and develop key skills that are crucial for their future careers.

Young people work together to explore a given topic and to design, build and program an autonomous LEGO® robot to solve a series of missions.This annual competition will be held at Merthyr College on 11th March 2025. Registration information can be found here 

Further information can be found here

Exploring Veterinary Careers: Caring for Animals Big and Small. 11 March 10am - 10.50am online

Following this year’s theme of adapt and change, you will hear how our vets and vet nurses adapt to different:Animals and conditionsPlaces of work – did you know that as well as working in local vet practices, vets and vet nurses work on farms, in airports, the army, zoos and in science labs?During the session hear from our student and recent graduate panel on:
What a typical day for vet nurses and vets looks like and different places of work
Skills and subjects useful for a career in veterinary
Pros and cons about the jobs
You will also have the opportunity to ask the panel questions!
Book here 

Science and Health Live 12 March 2025 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

School of Medicine, Cardiff University, BLS Education Suite, main Hospital build, Heath Park, Cardiff, Cardiff CF14 4XN

Science in Health Live! annual event is organised by the School of Medicine. Up to 400 year 12 pupils from across Wales and the border counties visit the School for this event every year to gain insight into our ongoing biomedical research and explore the many careers available in science and medicine.

The day is designed to inspire and excite, offering an overview of the diverse basic science and clinical trials research undertaken at Cardiff University and the University Hospital of Wales showing how ongoing work is leading to new insights that may both prevent and cure disease. Importantly, we hope many who attend the day will feel sufficiently inspired to consider following a career path in science and medicine. More information here

First Lego League Challenge "Submerged" 13th March 9am 

Llanrumney Hall, Llanrumney Cardiff. CF3 4JJ

FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is a global STEM programme for teams of young people, to encourage an interest in real world themes and develop key skills that are crucial for their future careers.

Young people work together to explore a given topic and to design, build and program an autonomous LEGO® robot to solve a series of missions.This annual competition will be held at The Atrium on 13th March 2025. Registration information can be found here 

Further information can be found here

First Lego League Challenge "Submerged" 22nd March 9.45am 

Ysgol Henry Tudor, Bush Hill, Pembroke Dock , Pembrokeshire  SA71 4RL

FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is a global STEM programme for teams of young people, to encourage an interest in real world themes and develop key skills that are crucial for their future careers.

Young people work together to explore a given topic and to design, build and program an autonomous LEGO® robot to solve a series of missions.This annual competition will be held at Ysgol Henry Tudor on 22nd  March 2025. Registration information can be found here 

Further information can be found here

Find out about Secondary CREST Awards 27th March 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm  online

Join this 30-minute session to find out how to use free CREST activities with primary aged children.

These hands-on, low resource STEM activities, including planning guides, can be used in classrooms, homes, and STEM clubs, and make a real impact on children’s STEM learning! We’ll also give you top tips for using CREST to engage with British Science Week.

Booking and more information here

The CREST Award Scheme has been running for over 35 years and is managed by the British Science Association (BSA)

First Lego League Challenge "Submerged" 28nd March 9.45am 

Ebbw Fawr Learning Community, Strand Annealing Lane, Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent NP23 6AN

FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is a global STEM programme for teams of young people, to encourage an interest in real world themes and develop key skills that are crucial for their future careers.

Young people work together to explore a given topic and to design, build and program an autonomous LEGO® robot to solve a series of missions.This annual competition will be held at Ebbw Fawr Learning Community on 28th  March 2025. Registration information can be found here

Want to participate in the 20 March roundtable with the Cabinet Secretary for Education?

Lynne Neagle is keen to meet with teachers, who are new to the profession and who work in the priority areas of Biology, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Physics or Welsh.

If you’re interested in sharing your experiences, please email dysg@gov.wales 

Engaging with Secondary Students: Tips for Success 25 March 9am-10am

In this 1-hour session, delivered by Christina Astin, you’ll learn how to engage successfully with secondary school students. It will cover why volunteering with secondary students is important and the different ways you may be interacting with them (in school, during work experience, or online), plus provide tips for aligning messages with the curriculum to ensure they are inclusive and relevant for young people.Book here

April

May

Science and the Senedd 13 May 2025..

The Royal Society of Chemistry's twenty first annual Science and the Senedd will be held at the Senedd and the Pierhead, Cardiff Bay, on 13 May 2025..

June

The Big Bang Fair June 17- June 19

The Big Bang Fair inspires the next generation with hands-on activities, experiments and workshops. The UK’s biggest celebration of STEM for schools will return on Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 June 2025 at The NEC in Birmingham.

The Big Bang Fair is free, and is open to UK state-funded school groups only in:

• year 6 to year 8 (England and Wales)

Schools can explore The Fair in our morning session (9am to 12pm) or afternoon session (1pm to 4pm). If you have any questions, please contact us at info@thebigbang.org.uk

Schools will be able to book free tickets to The Big Bang Fair 2025 in early 2025. Sign up to our newsletter to get VIP early access. More information here